Tehachapi News

larger view larger view

Ballots are being sent out to property owners in Stallion Springs to add $50 per year per parcel for the next ten years on to their property tax bills to fund a new building for the police department and administrative offices. The measure needs a 50 percent plus one approvel from the returned ballots to pass.
Stallion Springs Police Department (SSPD) Chief Brad Burris noted that because of their limited space. “There is no place for private interviews of anyone with a problem or that has been arrested.”
Currently, the SSPD is housed in two rooms (270 sq.ft.) of a building that was the original ranch house on the property.  The main office has six levels in the floor of it’s 11 by 15 foot space and the Chiefs office has a three inch tilt across its narrow seven foot width.
There are also legal requirements for the police department that are not being met due to space limitations. Based on Department of Justice Standards, the building is not in compliance with certain requirements in regard to evidence and property control. Additionally the building is not in compliance in regard to storage of arms and ammunition in accordance on CalOSHA standards
The building does not meet the current codes in regard to Disability Laws. It has no handicap access to the Police department. The outside entrance has stairs down to the office level and the door from the main part of the building is only 28 inches wide and can not accommodate a wheelchair.
The district owns the land for the new building adjacent to the community center. Preliminary estimates for a 5000 sq. ft. structure to house the SSPD, the administrative staff and meet all of the state and federal requirements is around 1.2 million dollars.
Surveys were sent out in March to the property owners and came back with 70 percent positive response to the building of the facility. Based on this response the Board of Directors at their May meeting approved the going forward with the vote.
If the new building is built, it may be possible to save the original structure for its historic value. By removing the additions it may also be possible to make room for much needed other improvements such as additional solid waste bins needed do to the growth of the community.
A Town Hall meeting will be held on Friday, May 30th at 7:00 p.m. will be held at the Multipurpose Room at 27850 Stallion Springs Drive.  This meeting is specifically for voters to ask questions and receive factual information in regard to this vote.
You may also call the District office and receive an accurate answer to your question.